Anyone have any insight/experience on both the frames?
I currently have the former but there is a Hardrock Ultra frame in the colorway I love available locally.
Was thinking of chucking the parts from my Giant onto the Specialized but think it may be a downgrade in the frame?
The lugged fork really is the key difference on the Giant.
From what I can gather, mr google thinkgs the Specialized was the more performance oriented bike and the Giant was entry level back in the day.
by squat_bench_press
5 Comments
I think they’re pretty comparable so it would be more of a lateral move and not an upgrade.
Unless there’s sizing or geometry reasons to make the swap, probably not worth it. The fork on the giant is dope, and you’re not likely to see a major difference in tubing quality between the two. Hardrock Ultra maybe had some better stock components than the basic hardrock, but it was still a mid-tier bike for the time. If you already have newer/better components on the giant, and it suits you, I don’t see a benefit to a frame swap.
I think (really not sure) that the fork steerer sizes might not be the same. Giant uses a 1-1/4″ threaded fork, and the hardrock the more common 1″ threaded fork.
But again, not sure about that info. Just check it beforehand.
For a 30 year old steel frameset, any difference is negligible. Choose the color you like.
Obviously your changing wheel size. The giant is a hybrid, so 700c wheels vs 26″.
I’m not sure, but would imagine the hard rock has a big more fire clearance.
I’d stick with the giant unless you’re itching for fatter tires and/of room for fenders and you’re already maxed out.